18 Atlanta Events & Happenings: July 2018

It’s hotter than ever (and just getting hotter), making the task of finding activities that make you want to leave the comfort of air conditioning a tough one. We’ve put together a list of fun-filled events happening in Atlanta guaranteed to keep you cool – or at least make the sweat worth it.

Don’t just cheer for America this Fourth of July, cheer for the athletes at the one of the city’s wildest traditions, the AJC Peachtree Road Race! Image: AJC

Through July 29, 2018: Summer at the Rock

Summertime is family season while the sun is out and the weather is warm. Spend it reconnecting at Stone Mountain Park with adventures and excitement for the whole family. Start with the Scenic Railroad and take a trip around the base of the mountain, go on a SkyHike exploring a quarter-mile trail with obstacle courses along the way, and don’t forget to finish with the Lasershow Spectacular with Mountain Vision showing nightly! For a list of all available activities and ticket prices, visit stonemountainpark.com.

Throughout July: Concerts in the Garden

Jam out in the lush scenery of the Atlanta Botanical Garden at their Concerts in the Garden series. This season is another killer way to enjoy the outdoors and some of the most talented musicians from across the country. This summer’s lineup includes Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, Michael McDonald, JJ Grey & Mofro and more. You can purchase tickets online or in person at Garden Admissions (members receive a discount). atlantabg.org

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July 4, 2018: Salute to the Red, White and Blue

Head out to East Point to celebrate America’s birthday with a killer party! There are activities for the whole family, starting at 3 p.m., including an artist market, musical performances, great food and more. The fun culminates at 9:30 p.m. when the fireworks display begins. For more information, downtowneastpoint.com.

July 4, 2018: Marietta Fourth in the Park

Marietta does Fourth of July right with its annual celebration that kicks off at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. The fun includes the Marietta Freedom Parade coupled with the massive arts and crafts show, as well as free live concerts, museum tours, great food and, of course, fireworks! mariettaga.gov

July 4, 2018: July 4th Star Spangled Beach Party

Cool off, have fun and celebrate our wonderful country at Callaway Resort & Gardens. Highlights of the day include live music and performances, fireworks, sandcastle contests and beach and watersport activities that will entertain everyone in the crew. Visit the Callaway Gardens website to book your weekend and check out the schedule. callawaygardens.com

July 4, 2018: Fourth of July Celebration at International Plaza (formerly at Centennial Olympic Park)

We Atlantans love a good party with a great light show. And the fun continues this Fourth of July, as the event has temporarily moved from Centennial Olympic Park (due to construction) to International Plaza. Entertainment will include chart-topping After 7 and friends and, of course, a major fireworks presentation. Gates open at 6 p.m and the event is free and open to the public. gwcca.org

July 4, 2018: AJC Peachtree Road Race

As the premiere Fourth of July Atlanta tradition, the AJC Peachtree Road Race is not one to be missed. Organized by the Atlanta Track Club, the event’s festive atmosphere, scenic 10K course and beloved t-shirt attracts 60,000 runners and walkers of all ages each year. The course begins at Lenox Square and travels down Peachtree to 10th Street in Midtown; the finish line is located on 10th, just outside of Piedmont Park. For wave start times, parking and travel information, visit AJC.com.

July 4, 2018: Red, White and Brew at Georgia Aquarium

Avoiding the same old, same old this year? Try heading to the Georgia Aquarium for something a little bit different. You get whale sharks, penguins and beer! The event runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with tickets available at $65 for adults and $50 for members (everyone must be over 21 years of age). The night will include a live DJ, summertime beverages, barbecue and other tasty goodies, a souvenir glass and so much more. gaaquarium.org

July 6-7, 2018: Atlanta Shortsfest

The Ninth Annual Atlanta Shortsfest, held at Synchronicity Theatre, showcases a diverse mix of short films by ultra-talented filmmakers from across the globe. All films are under 45 minutes with genres including comedy, animation, documentary, experimental, horror & sci-fi, fantasy, drama — and just about anything else you can imagine. Visit the website to buy tickets, review the film schedule and get more information. atlantashortsfest.com

July 7, 2018: Atlanta Night Nation Run

If Stefon was into exercise, the Atlanta Night Nation Run seems like it’d be at the top of his cardio list. Think of the Night Nation Run as if a 5K and rave had a baby and wanted to party in the coolest sneakers around. This running music festival offers a course at Georgia State Stadium with live DJs, a light show, bubble zones and lots more. Pre-partying begins at 7 p.m. and the first wave happens at 8:30 p.m. (registration includes a glow stick). Get more details on the website. nightnationrun.com

July 13, 2018: Callanwolde Jazz on the Lawn with Joe Gransden

If you’re looking for a night of relaxation, look no further than Jazz on the Lawn featuring trumpeter/singer Joe Gransden. Joe is not only renown for his hard bop approach of his trumpet, but for his signature singing voice that’s been compared to Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra. The concert is from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. General admission starts at $25, VIP lawn seating and VIP tables available for additional rates. callanwolde.org

July 13-15, 2018: Atlanta Comic Con

Holy festivals, Batman! Atlanta Comic Con happens from July 13 to 15, 2018 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Nerds and cool dudes alike will join forces and absorb everything that is comic books, toys, games, cosplay, celebrity guests and more. Pop culture will never be the same in our city! Three-day admission tickets are $60, but you can buy single-day tickets as well (children under 12 are free). atlantacomiccon.com

July 14, 2018: Atlanta Field Day

Remember recess? Take a day off from boring adulthood and enjoy a throwback day to grade school instead. With adults in mind, all the classics — tug of war, relay races, obstacle courses, etc. — will be there. The day works on a point system (per win), so grab some friends to make a team or sign up on your own and get ready for the most fun you’ll have all summer! Registration fee is $50. atlfieldday.com

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July 15, 2018: Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival

Atlanta foodies, the attack is back! Get ready for the annual Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival in support of Georgia Organics. The event takes place at Westside Provisions District (behind JCT Kitchen) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., where chefs and mixologists will feature their own tomato-based treats and cocktails. General admission is $75; Georgia Organics member admission is $60; and if you want to go VIP and check it out an hour early, splurge for the cause at $130. killertomatofest.com

July 15, 2018: Waiters’ Race

In the spirit of a centuries-old French tradition, the Waiters’ Race tests the skills waiters use every day in a fun-filled way. The concept is simple: waiters have to race as fast as possible holding a loaded tray, without spilling. This year, Atlanta’s own Le Bilboquet and The Shops Buckhead Atlanta host the event, taking place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the center plaza at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Proceeds benefit the Giving Kitchen and waiters will compete for a round-trip ticket to Paris and a traveling trophy that’s housed in their restaurant for the next year. Get more details, including how to register, on the website. waitersraceatl.org

July 18, 2018: Summer in the City

Fill up on delicious food, fine wine and wonderful conversation, all benefiting the Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Institute at Shepherd Center. General admission tickets start at $80, and VIP access and sponsorship can be purchased at additional costs. The event runs from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. shepherd.org

July 21-29, 2018: BB&T Atlanta Open

Don’t you love tennis?! Well if you do (and you got that joke), it’s time to head to this year’s BB&T Atlanta Open, happening July 21 through 29, 2018 at Atlantic Station. Watch some of the most talented athletes in the country compete in a grueling series for tennis glory! Tickets are available on the official website. bbtatlantaopen.com

July 28, 2018: Atlanta Ice Cream Festival

Satisfy that sweet tooth with an all-day ice cream extravaganza at Piedmont Park! From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy everyone’s favorite frozen treat without the guilt because the festival also features a variety of health and wellness engagement activities, fitness routines, food and non-food vendors, as well as live local music (all that gets rid of creamy calories, right?!). atlantaicecreamfestival.com

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With more great things happening in Atlanta than we can fit into our July Happenings article, be sure to constantly check out our Local Happenings page to see what else is going on!